The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has revised its tariff regulations, mandating that mobile service providers create distinct plans for voice calls and SMS for customers who do not utilize internet services. This amendment, announced on Monday, requires telecom companies to offer recharge options specifically for voice and SMS, separate from data services. Previously, providers bundled internet data, voice calls, and SMS into single recharge coupons. Additionally, TRAI has eliminated the previous 90-day validity limit on special recharge coupons, extending it to a full year.

According to the Telecom Consumer Protection (Twelfth Amendment) Regulations, 2024, service providers are now required to offer at least one special tariff voucher dedicated solely to voice and SMS, with a maximum validity of 365 days. This initiative aims to assist consumers who rely exclusively on voice calls and SMS without the need for internet data.

TRAI has permitted telecom companies to issue recharge vouchers of any denomination, while ensuring that at least one option is available for a minimum of Rs 10. The previous regulation stipulated that top-up vouchers could only be issued in increments of Rs 10. During the consultation phase, TRAI received feedback from various stakeholders, including senior citizens and households with home broadband, indicating a lack of necessity for data-inclusive recharge plans.

In its clarification, TRAI emphasized the importance of making a separate special tariff voucher for voice and SMS mandatory, in addition to the existing data-only and bundled options. This requirement aims to provide a choice for customers who do not need data services, while still supporting the government’s efforts to promote data accessibility, as service providers retain the flexibility to offer bundled and data-only vouchers.